State burn ban in effect until mid-May (Information Included)

(Photo via Pexels).

The New York State’s annual burn ban officially starts today and will be in effect until May 14.

An open burning prohibition will be enforced. However, there are a few exceptions:

  • Camp fires or any other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
  • Small cooking fires are allowed.
  • Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed. Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
  • Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
  • Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in the state. Since the annual burn ban was implemented in 2009, the number of wildfires has decreased by 40%.

To report a wildfire, call 1-833-697-7264 or contact a nearby ranger

The ranger assigned to Cortland County is Chester Lunt III. He can be reached at 315-256-8893.

For more information on the annual burn ban, click here.